The effects of latex gloves on the kinetics of grasping

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the use of latex gloves on motor performance. In the first experiment ten participants performed sensory discrimination tests (a two-point discrimination and a Von Frey hair test) to assess the impact that varying layers of latex gloves (no glove, one, two or three layers of latex gloves) had on the tactile sensitivity of the index finger and thumb. Results showed that multiple layers of gloves impaired haptic sensitivity. To determine if impaired sensation affected motor control, in a second experiment participants picked up various masses (100, 150, 200 g) with their index finger and thumb in the same four glove conditions. Grip and load forces were recorded using a force transducer implanted in the target object. Results showed that more grip and load force was generated when participants were wearing multiple glove layers. However, it was also demonstrated that the gloves were more slippery than bare skin, suggesting that the increased grip forces observed when wearing gloves may have been related to lower friction between the object and glove surfaces. Relevance to industry The results of this study provide data on grip force production that can be used for designing tools and equipment and for potentially reducing the increased force production that is associated with repetitive strain injury.